Youth gangs looking for trouble at beaches centre of new police crackdown
City beaches have become crowded in recent weeks leading to concerns lockdown restrictions are being breached, now a new crackdown will target youth gang members and other troublemakers who flock to the sand just to cause chaos.
Police & Courts
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Police are set to launch a new crackdown and target youth gang members and other known troublemakers who flock to beaches to cause chaos with the weather set to heat up over coming weeks.
City beaches have become crowded in recent weeks leading to concerns lockdown restrictions are being breached.
The Herald Sun can reveal a Victoria Police taskforce, which was originally established to catch violent criminals who carry out aggravated burglaries, home invasions and carjackings, is looking at known troublemakers in a bid to stop them hitting the beach.
Detective Sergeant Peta Young said a key focus for police coming into the warmer months would be investigating violent public order crime near St Kilda foreshore and other beaches.
Investigators will implement “risk management strategies” to try to ensure young offenders don’t cause chaos on the beaches this summer.
Offenders deemed high risk by police will be referred to support groups and youth case managers.
“We know that as the weather warms up, we often see an increase in specific types of offences being committed in these locations,” Sgt Young said. “In previous years, we have seen some incidents where large groups of networked youth offenders are involved in violent affrays which intimidate and cause fear within the community.
“Last year we did see a reduction in these types of violent incidents and we want to ensure the downward trend continues this summer.”
Hundreds of people congregated at St Kilda beach last weekend, with many breaching lockdown rules on masks and social distancing.
“Last weekend we saw a lot of activity at St Kilda beach with the loosening of some of the Chief Health Officer’s restrictions and unfortunately there were a few people who chose to do the wrong thing,” Sgt Young said.
“With the ongoing restrictions limiting movement in the community, the Vanguard Taskforce will be closely monitoring known troublemakers to deter and prevent them from causing public order issues at our beaches.
“Our message to anyone who is thinking of coming down to the St Kilda foreshore to cause trouble is clear, we will be actioning every enforceable tool we have to hold you accountable for your actions.
“These enforceable actions include bail compliance checks and executing warrants of apprehension.”
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